Perspective

In the ever-shifting landscape of body image and self-perception, I’ve seen trends come and go. I grew up during the era of heroin chic, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, The Biggest Loser, and The Swan. When bodies are molded to fit a certain ideal, and imperfections are hunted down to be eliminated, no one watching escapes unscathed.

There were many times in my life when my own reflection felt like a battleground. But now, I'm grateful to call this body mine. It has taken me deep into the ocean and high into the mountains. It has given me adventure, pleasure, and my babies. It has surprised me and shown up for me—created for me! My two hands have collected these words and put them out into the world for your hands, your eyes.

Curating this issue, I was deeply moved by the raw honesty and diversity of voices that filled my inbox (so much so, I’ve had to add a few pages to this issue to fit the work). Contributors shared their stories of reckoning with form, aging with unapologetic confidence, navigating disability and illness, and experiencing the transformative journey of the body through birth and beyond. Alongside these narratives are images that show the body in many dimensions, capturing its myriad forms and expressions.

It is my profound honor to share this issue with you. The pieces here are powerful testaments to the complexity and beauty inherent in every human body. They invite us to wonder in and embrace our unique paths through this remarkable vessel we call home.

Xx Bangs